If you’ve spent much time in a deer stand in the woods during the fall, then squirrel hunting might sound ... easy. That's especially likely if you’re accustomed to hunting near a game feeder. Squirrels are very active that time of year. And with a little leaf cover still available, a quiet hunter can go virtually unnoticed by squirrels - or at least is quickly disregarded as squirrels carry on with their seasonal habits.
In the late winter, though, a different story can be told. The hunting is still good. But with virtually no leaf cover and plenty of "crunchy" debris on the forest floor, you might have to sharpen your stealth game if you want bring home a mess of squirrels to fry for supper.
If late season squirrel hunting is on your mind, or if a young hunter is begging for you to take them hunting, you've got until Feb. 28 to get it done. Here's four tips to help you.
1/4: Hunt Peak Activity
During the winter, both fox and gray squirrels may be less active overall, so perhaps your best bet is to hunt early in the morning, or wait until later in the day and hunt the last available legal hunting hours. In Oklahoma, legal squirrel shooting hours end at official sunset, so backtrack from there to make sure you're hunting as much of that time window as possible. But on a sunny winter day, that’s all the time you need. Look for den trees and leaf nests high in trees, as squirrels might stay closer to them this time of year. In winter, the major food source for both squirrel species is hard mast such as pecans, acorns, and hickory nuts. Once you've walked through an area to find a spot, take a seat and let things get quiet. It may take 15 minutes or more for squirrel activity to pick up again. Get in to your spot early so any commotion can settle before those precious few minutes of prime activity come along.
2/4: Use the ODWC Squirrel Resources Webpage
Our Hunting Resources webpage is loaded with some of the best curated hunting information we could find, especially those dedicated to helping you be a squirrel hunter any time of year. You’ll find our own small game hunting guide that lines out season information and tips, plus numerous videos and articles. Being prepared mentally is important for any challenge, and these resources will be like a crash course to keep you sharp.
3/4 Know Your Quarry
Both fox and gray squirrels are present in Oklahoma, depending on where you hunt. The fox squirrel can be found across the majority of the state, except the extreme western portion of the Panhandle. Gray squirrels are found in mature bottomland forests, hardwood uplands, forested ridges, and oak-hickory-pine forests in the eastern portion of the state - mostly "east of I-35,” as is often the easy way to think of it.
And while tactics for hunting are often similar for both, it helps to know a little about each. Fox squirrels are larger than grays and generally less flighty. They're more likely to "freeze up" in order to stay hidden. That means a keen eye and a good pair of binoculars could come in handy. Scan trees carefully for the "shape" of a squirrel or squirrel parts, such as a head and ear. Gray squirrels, on the other hand, are given to fast breaks through the treetops. Be ready with a shotgun. If you miss your first shot, nine times out of 10 a gray squirrel is going to go on the move ... and fast. Set up in an area with lots of safe, open shooting lanes to increase your chances.
4/4: Tap into Public Land Squirrel Hunting
While some seasons and regulations on public areas may vary from statewide norms, most Wildlife Management Areas offer late season squirrel hunting. The best place to start is our list of Wildlife Management Areas. You’re likely to find an area close to your home that holds squirrel populations, but if not or you're feeling adventurous, pick somewhere new! The most important thing is that when you select a WMA on the list, you’ll see dropdown menus for “Game Species of Interest” and “Area Specific Hunting Regulations.” Both will provide the pertinent information you need to narrow down a location.
Areas like Canton WMA in northwest Oklahoma hold pockets of fox squirrel habitat. In northern Oklahoma, Kaw and Hulah WMAs offer the possibility of a mixed bag of fox and gray squirrels. And of course, nearly any WMA in the eastern third of the state could be your next gray squirrel honey hole.
You can also take advantage of the Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP). Administered by the Wildlife Department, OLAP provides financial incentives to landowners who allow public access for hunting, fishing, stream access, and wildlife viewing opportunities on private lands. That has resulted in a number of locations to hunt small game. A land access permit is required to use OLAP properties and can be obtained through your Go Outdoors Oklahoma online account.